California Bicycle Equipment Laws

Under california law every person who rides a bike on a street or highway has the same.

California bicycle equipment laws. California motorized bicycle laws. Vc 21200 use of a bicycle. These laws outline everything from the definition of a bicycle to proper use and conduct. Operation of bicycles 21200 21213 article 4 added by stats.

Obey speed limits. Motorized bikes also called electric bicycles are similar to mopeds but california law treats them differently. Top ten california bicycle laws every cyclist should know. 1 this means for example bicyclists must perform such actions as.

Below for your benefit we summarize the key sections of the law that relate to cycling. Relevant laws pertaining to bike use fall under the california vehicle code. Bicycle law in california is the parts of the california vehicle code that set out the law for persons cycling in california and a subset of bicycle law in the united states in general pretty much all the same rights and responsibilities that apply to car drivers apply to bicycle riders as well. While there are many laws on cycling we believe the ones listed below are the most important california bicycle laws.

A a person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle a nonmotorized scooter or a skateboard nor wear in line or roller skates nor ride upon a bicycle a nonmotorized scooter or a skateboard as a passenger upon a street bikeway as defined in section 890 4 of the streets and highways code or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly. For the most part bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. These and other cycling laws can be found in the california vehicle code which we abbreviate as cvc we provide links to the each section of the code cited below. Motorized bicycles are their own class of vehicle with separate rules and regulations.

Some of the most relevant laws governing bicycle use include. Vehicle code 21200 vc california s vehicle laws applicable to bicycle riders. Riding a motorized bicycle in california takes obeying different laws than on a standard bike. The california vehicle code contains the state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate.

A motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals and an electric motor with fewer than 750 watts. In 2001 bob wrote the legal analysis section in bicycle accident reconstruction for the forensic engineer and in 2007 bob authored bicycling the law the first book on bicycle law written for cyclists since the road rights and liabilities of wheelmen was published in 1895. It is important to learn and obey these laws if you wish to avoid legal trouble such as traffic infractions in san jose. California vehicle code 21200 a states that bicycle riders have all the rights and are subject to all the responsibilities and duties as drivers of vehicles.